Photo caption from left: Executive Director, Sahara Group, Wale Ajibade and President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the Presidential Palace in Dakar, Senegal
President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has commended Sahara Group for its longstanding commitment to Senegal and the Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR), describing the company as a trusted partner in the country’s energy sector.
The President made the remarks while receiving a Sahara delegation led by Wale Ajibade, Executive Director, Sahara Group, alongside Mamadou Abib Diop, Managing Director of SAR, at the Presidential Palace in Dakar.
President Faye acknowledged Sahara’s passion for Africa, its Pan-African outlook, and its consistent support for Senegal’s energy aspirations over the years through Sahara’s longstanding relationship with SAR.
“We appreciate Sahara’s dynamism, flexibility and constructive partnership with SAR, particularly its support in helping secure the country’s energy requirements amid challenging global market conditions,” President Faye added.
Responding, Ajibade reaffirmed Sahara’s commitment to supporting Senegal’s energy security and economic development.
“Senegal has been an important partner for Sahara over the years, and we remain committed to deploying our expertise, infrastructure, financing capabilities and operational experience in ways that support the country’s energy ambitions. We are encouraged by the progress being made and look forward to deepening our partnership with SAR and other stakeholders across the energy value chain,” he said.
Ajibade noted that Sahara’s engagement in Senegal extends beyond its shareholding in SAR and reflects the company’s broader commitment to advancing energy access, industrial development and sustainable economic growth across Africa.
SAR Managing Director Mamadou Abib Diop, described Sahara as a reliable, long-term partner that has made significant investments in Senegal and continues to play an important role in supporting the country’s energy sector.
“Sahara Energy has invested significantly in Senegal over the years and remains a major and reliable partner. We are focused on strengthening our collaboration with Sahara to provide Senegal with greater flexibility in addressing the needs of the energy sector.”
Diop highlighted Sahara’s support for SAR’s crude oil supply requirements and noted that the company has consistently demonstrated its willingness to work alongside Senegalese stakeholders to help navigate prevailing market challenges.
The meeting further reinforced the strong partnership between Senegal, SAR and Sahara Group, as all parties continue to pursue practical solutions that enhance energy security, strengthen supply reliability and support the country’s long-term economic development.

